Exploring the Moon — Craters of the Moon National Preserve and Monument

We visited Craters of the Moon National Preserve and Monument on an Idaho road-trip from Salt Lake City to Boise. The park is also commonly visited from Jackson or Idaho Falls in Wyoming. Craters of the Moon is a bit remote, but 100% worth the effort to get there. The entire park can easily be visited in a day trip and even one-half a day.

We visited during June 2020 — the summer of COVID. The Visitor Center was closed, however a ranger was out front ready to answer questions. They also had a display with maps and stamps for your National Parks Passport Book. There is a $20 fee per vehicle or use your National Parks annual pass.

NAVIGATION TIP from nps.gov: Please do not rely upon GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Craters of the Moon. Please note that the Visitor Center at 1266 Craters Loop Road is located just off U.S. Highway 20/26/93 and is not accessed via any unpaved roads.

Craters of the Moon Visitor Center

I suggest starting any National Park visit at the VISITOR CENTER. Be sure to ask a ranger where to hike and what is not-to-miss. It helps to let them know your interests and how much time you have at the park. The rangers are always so helpful, kind, and I find that they nail it every time! I usually explain that we love an active strenuous hike — but tell them your wants and needs for the best feedback.

The ranger at Craters of the Moon suggested we visit take time to get out and explore each of the stops along the scenic one-way drive Loop Trail. His not-to-miss was hiking up Inferno Cone. And, I agree! He also informed us that the North Crater Flow Trail was closed due to construction and all caves were closed due to COVID social distancing. Bummer — no need to get the free cave permit on this visit.

Fitz Bits Tip: The Visitor Center is closed however you can watch their movie online! So watch Craters of the Moon — The Movie before or after your visit. Duration: 21 minutes, 33 seconds.

Driving the Loop Trail

Start the one-way seven-mile drive through this volcanic wonderland at the Visitor Center. The views are utterly amazing and surreal in every direction. Be sure to take time for the hikes at the well marked stops.

STOP 1 | The Visitor Center is where you can get a map and pay the per vehicle park fee.

STOP 2 | The North Crater Flow Trail was closed but there is a nearby trail that looked good. We turned around due to the cold and wind.

STOP 3 |The Devil’s Orchard Trail has informative boards along a flat short walk. It is very interesting to learn about the bare trees — not what you may think.

STOP 4 | The Inferno Cone is the best hike in the park. A short steep climb up this cinder cone takes you to a spectacular panoramic view of the park. Hold on to your hat and scarf because it is very windy! Be sure to spend some time exploring the top before you head back down.

STOP 5 | The Spatter Cones and Snow Cone are right off the road and an easy climb. These volcanic features and worth a quick stop. If you have more time, take the trail to the right of the parking lot. It was windy but we were rewarded with awesome views and made it to the second crater.

STOP 6 |There are several trails from this parking lot. The Wilderness Trail had a cave to explore. I made it to the end of Tree Molds but if you do not have a lot of time just hike to the large crater where you can walk the perimeter.

STOP 7 | The caves were closed due to COVID social distancing restrictions.

The Weather

It can get very windy and chilly on the moon — hahaha. But seriously, pack layers and bring along a hat and light gloves early or late in the summer season. Some areas of the park did not get as much wind and it warmed up by early afternoon.

Lodging

There are very few lodging options nearby unless you are camping. We drove about two hours from Twin Falls and continued 1.5 hours to Sun Valley.

Twin Falls, Idaho

The Hilton Garden Inn is in a great location for walking to the Rim Trail. Simply walk over the bridge and you are on a nice paved path to the gorge. Enjoy a walk to Elevation 486 for a meal or a snack. Dinners are pricy so we opted for drinks and dessert.

If you like breweries check out Milner’s Gate and Koto Brewing Company. Koto was casual with good food and large portions. Milner’s was a little more expensive however our meals were outstanding.

Sun Valley, Idaho

This two-bedroom condo + loft in the Elkhorn Village area worked well for our family of five. It is an easy drive to town, hiking, and activities. We ate meals in the condo so I can’t recommend any restaurants. However, Atkinsons’ Market in downtown Ketchum has a great deli in the back including good and inexpensive fried chicken, fries, and fountain drinks.